INTA Gems & Diamonds Invited Lecturers at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Jerry Pheng Young, Steve Young and Peter Young, invited to speak to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) graduate gemology and diamond classes.
Excerpts taken from The Loupe GIA World News – Winter 2006
Father, Sons Share Lessons from Gem World by Jaime Kaustky
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June 28, 2006 (FPRC) -- Jerry Pheng Young recently shared his years of real-world experience in the trade with diamond and gemology students at the GIA Los Angeles during an interactive presentation with his sons, Steve and Peter Young.
The lecture covered topics ranging from trade ethics to international commerce and included stores of their many trips to Sir Lanka and Southeast Asia to buy rough and faceted gemstones – including the time Jerry Pheng Young arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on the day the massive tsunami struck in 2004.
The flooding was not serious where he was, but as he traveled to the southeastern area of the country, he realized his trip to the cutting center of Galle would not be possible.
“I have many friends and business associates throughout Sri Lanka,” he said, showing students pictures of Galle before and after the tsunami. “They are such warm, friendly people, and it was difficult to witness the aftermath of such a terrible event.”
Pheng Young stayed in the country for two weeks and donated money to the locals who were trying to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. His efforts underscored the lecture’s message, which stressed the importance of strong relationships with international and local contacts.
“Instead of doing one-time deals, keep in mind that you will do business with people for many years to come, “Pheng Young said.
Such a relationship building began for his sons while they were students at the GIA. Steven, a Graduate Gemologist and Vice-President of INTA Gems, landed his first job as a graduate trainee for Christie’s Auction House in New York a the Institute’s Career Fair, before working as an assistant diamond trader for Rapaport.
Peter, a GIA Diamonds and Design Graduate, became business development manager for online jewelry retailer Mondera and is now the marketing manager for INTA Gems. He says the connections and the knowledge he and his brother gained at the GIA were invaluable.
The pursuit of knowledge is another key to success – it’s a principal Pheng Young said he instilled in his sons from a very young age.
“You should never stop learning. I learn something new everyday, and that’s exciting.” Pheng Young said. “Ever since my sons were young, they watch me conduct business. I tried to transfer all my gemstone knowledge to them, but I knew that experience – coupled with a GIA education – was vital to their ongoing success in the jewelry business.
Students also had a chance to view fine color, loose gemstone the family brought with them to the lecture, including a 15.88 ct. Ceylon blue sapphire, a 5.89 ct. Padparascha sapphire and a 14.15 ct. Colombian emerald. They also got to try on several pieces of fine finished jewelry.
A jewelry suite Peter designed for his GIA Los Angeles design class drew a great deal of attention. Featuring a 21.80-ct. tanzanite center stone, the sutie was displayed alongside the original renderings.
“The Pheng Young family’s behind-the-scenes stories of the international gem trade stimulated the students and encouraged them in the importance of their studies at the GIA, “ said Veronica Clark-Hudson, director of the GIA Los Angeles. “Jerry, Steven and Peter did a fantastic job of giving the students a glimpse of what to expect
ABOUT
INTA Gems is a wholesaler and retailer of fine diamond and gemstone jewelry. Founded by Jerry and Connie Pheng Young, INTA Gems is THE OFFICIAL JEWELER OF MISS CALIFORNIA USAâ. Peter Young is the creative jewelry designer for INTA Gems. A design and graduate gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America, Peter derives design inspiration by his worldwide travels and cultural experiences. For more information, please visit www.intagems.com
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is internationally recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology™. Through gemological research, education, laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. For more information, please visit www.gia.edu
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Send an email to Peter Young of INTA Gems
(213) 689-9650
Keywords:
diamonds, sapphires, jewelry
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